How to Use a Router in Woodworking
Routers shape the edge of wood. They are small hand-held tools with spinning bits that are moved around the wood by hand. It is essential to learn how a router works and how to use it safely. This project shapes a drawer front. It is a moderately easy beginner project that teaches how to use a router properly and safely.
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Things You'll Need
- Work bench
- Clamps
- Router
- Bits
- Wood
- Ear plugs
- Safety goggles
- Drawer front
- Measuring tape
- 1-inch by 6-inch by 12-inch pine for drawer front
- Scrap wood for test cuts
- Stain
- Medium disposable paintbrush
- Sandpaper
Instructions
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1
Read all of the instructions that come with your new router. Before you switch it on, put on safety goggles and ear plugs. This small machine is incredibly loud and throws particles of wood dust.
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2
Clamp a test piece of wood to the workbench. Every piece of wood must be free of knots. The router has two handles, but many woodworkers hold on to one handle and guide the machine with their other hand clamped around the side.
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3
Begin with a test piece of wood. Be sure you like what you are doing by taking a cut at a scrap of wood. It will help to determine how deeply you want to cut and it will allow your hands to get used to the centrifugal power of the machine. Plug in and turn on the router. It needs to be spinning before you touch any wood or it may bind and cause your hands to wobble. Once you are satisfied, start to work on the drawer front.
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4
Clamp the drawer front to the work bench. Turn on the router and lower it to the edge of the wood. Move the router onto the wood so that the cutting edge hits the wood first. This makes it easier to control.
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It is better to make several shallow turns around the drawer front than to try and power the router into making deep cuts all at once. There are also variable speeds on the router and they regulate the revolutions of the bit to allow it to move at the appropriate speed for each job.
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After you have successfully routed the edge of your drawer front, turn off and unplug the router. Check to be sure the bit is still sharp. Dull bits drag on the wood and can burn it. Remove the drawer front from the clamp; sand and stain the drawer front before nailing it to the drawer frame.
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Tips & Warnings
Learn to use a router so that you can make your woodworking projects more exciting. You can route raised panels, make decorative picture frames and all kind of intricate work. Just remember all safety precautions and the rest comes with practice.
Never install bits with the router plugged in. When the router is running, be sure not to let any piece of clothing or the cord come in contact with the spinning bit.
